Supporters seek more time to save China House from demolition

RANCHO CUCAMONGA -- Supporters of saving the historic China House from demolition requested more time on Wednesday from city officials to work on a preservation vision with the Cucamonga Valley Water District, which owns the property.

City officials have previously red-tagged the building as unsafe, and the Cucamonga Valley Water District, which owns the property, was given 60 days, ending on Feb. 14, to demolish the historic China House.

The preservation group was given a 60-day extension, which ends next week on April 11 to come up with a feasible plan and funds to stabilize the building.

Without a plan, the demolition could proceed, according to city officials.

"Any plans would need to include emergency stabilization of the structure," according to a letter from city officials regarding the property. "If no plan is submitted, demolition will be necessary to protect the public safety. "

Supporters hope to save the house, which they say is the last Chinatown structure that remains standing in the Inland Empire. It should be saved, they say, as testament to the early 20th century contribution Chinese laborers made in the area to carve water tunnels and harvest wine grapes and produce.

"We're hopeful people will maintain a positive attitude and recognize that there's no need to rush to demolish the building," said Eugene Moy, vice president of the Chinese Historical Association of Southern California and a leader on the preservation effort.

Located on the southwest corner of Klusman Avenue and San Bernardino Road, the red clay brick building was built in 1919 on the site of a once-thriving Chinatown. Without funds to fix the building, the water district had earlier approved plans to demolish it and use some of the original brick work for a monument to honor the Chinese laborers who had lived in or near the building in the early 20th century.

After hearing from preservation advocates earlier this year, the water district successfully requested more time, but it's unclear whether it will again request an extension from the city or seek demolition permits.

Jo Lynne Russo-Pereyra, assistant general manager of the water district, said the water district has yet to talk to the preservation group about a new extension request and said she couldn't comment on the development until after district consideration is made over how to proceed.

Jeff Bloom , Rancho Cucamonga's deputy city manager for economic and community development, said the city will be waiting to hear from the water district which is expected to either come forward with a demolition permit request, or a stabilization plan.

If the district doesn't come forward with either by April 11, Bloom said the planning commission would give direction to the building official on how to proceed on the demolition requirement.

The historic group, in February, provided a preliminary preservation plan to the Cucamonga Valley Water District which identified 28 phased components of a $1.7 million development process that included fencing, a building restoration, landscape design, permitting, and interim management

Moy said the hope is to get funds from the water district, and the group would also be actively looking for donors, fund-raising and seeking grants.

Jim Curatalo, a Cucamonga Valley Water District boardmember, said history is very important to the district, but also acknowledged concerns over the dangerous condition of the building. He said the primary concern for the district board is to provide safe and reliable water to residents.

"I need to speak with my staff following the council meeting to find out if there is any new development on this, but I'm hopeful things can be resolved in a way that would satisfy all concerns," he said.

Curatalo said the best chance for success for the preservation group "would be to secure private funding outside the water district's budget."